Mozilla’s Firefox finally enters the 64-bit era on Windows

Mozilla has finally, finally introduced a 64-bit version of Firefox for Windows with the recent release of Firefox 43. While it intends to stop work on its chat software Thunderbird and to slow down the development of its alternative mobile operating system Firefox OS, the Mozilla Foundation has unveiled a new update for its internet browser Firefox (43.0). We’re pleased to offer it to users of Windows 7 and above looking for added performance for applications and games.” The post goes on to point out that, by design, plug-ins that work on the 32-bit version will not necessarily work on the 64-bit version. Firefox has recently become available for iOS, where it offers private browsing (no browsing history or cookies recorded) and the option for users to sync their account and access their favorites, browsing history and passwords whatever the device used. It was confirmed at the end of November, however, that Microsoft’s Silverlight plug-in, the runtime that even Adobe Flash laughs at, will be supported by the 64-bit edition.

Net surfers now have a choice between blocking by default, classic blocking, and the possibility of blocking absolutely all types of tracker, with the risk of making some sites unstable. Coming a full nine months after its preview edition, this is by far the biggest change in Firefox 43, which has been released across all platforms today.

The company has long held Linux 64-bit editions, but this first for Windows comes as the company continues its assault on the Windows 10 updaters who are actively encouraged, nay nagged, to use the new Microsoft Edge browser, which as yet has no extensions at all, although they are said to be on the way. Mac users are still without a 64-bit edition, but for Windows users Firefox has finally caught up with the other ‘big five’ browsers that have had 64-bit support for years in most cases. Conscious of not offering the best user experience after several years of development, Mozilla has nonetheless decided to continue to try it out on connected devices. The company confirmed that it had pulled out of the mobile market, declaring its Firefox OS dead, although it may be repurposed for IoT devices in the future. µ This is part of Mozilla’s plan to cease support for NPAPI plugins such as Java and Silverlight. (Other browser makers are taking similar actions.) That said, Flash will continue to be available owing to its popularity for web video.